On what would have been Nolan Wells’ 19th birthday, the Ocean Springs community turned its focus to remembrance and unanswered questions. The teen disappeared during a July 4 boating outing to Horn Island, and a body matching his description was recovered two days later. As investigators continue to review evidence, local churches are hosting a prayer rally to support the family.
Prayer rally planned at Greater St. John AME Church
The rally will be held at Greater St. John AME Church in Biloxi, about five miles from Ocean Springs. Dr. Jamal Bryant, senior pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia, will deliver a keynote address. Bryant posted on Instagram, “Prayer is a weapon that never runs out of ammunition. Let’s stand with this family before GOD! This is not over!!”
Civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump, who represents the Wells family, also called for unity, asking the nation to pray together for truth and justice on Nolan’s birthday.
Details of the July 4 incident
According to friends who were on the same boat, the vessel’s bilge pump failed, causing water to fill the hull. The group called for towing assistance and focused on getting the boat off the island. Attorneys for the friends, Tyler Cox and Edward Paltzik, said the men left the island at about 4:30 p.m. and do not know what happened to Nolan after that time.
Friends Warren Hudson (19), Jax Pitalo (20) and Morgan Seymour (19) have faced threats and harassment since the incident. Their attorneys say the three have been questioned by authorities but have not been charged with any wrongdoing.
Investigation status
Two autopsies have been performed. The family‑commissioned autopsy was ruled inconclusive, and the state’s autopsy report remains sealed pending a grand‑jury review. Toxicology results have been completed but not released to the public.
Jackson County District Attorney Angel Myers McIlrath told CNN that she cannot share further details because the case is under grand‑jury review. She cautioned the public against trusting unverified information online.
Community response and broader concerns
In addition to the prayer rally, Rev. Al Sharpton and the National Action Network are organizing a nationwide virtual vigil. The Congressional Black Caucus has asked the FBI to launch an independent investigation, citing concerns about potential racial bias in the handling of the case.
Both the Wells family and the friends involved have reported online attacks, including negative reviews of the family’s businesses and threats against their safety. Nolan’s father, Elmore Wonsley, said the attacks make it difficult for any parent to grieve.
Next steps
The family’s legal team says they are prepared to conduct a joint forensic review of Nolan’s cellphone with law‑enforcement experts as soon as possible. Until more information is released, the community remains focused on prayer, support for the family, and awaiting answers from the ongoing investigation.
Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.
